How to Say the Mah Nishtana (Four Questions) in Yiddish

Looking forward to saying the four questions in Yiddish at this year's seder? Look no further! We explain the basics of the four questions (mah nishtana) as well as how to say it in Yiddish.

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Basics of the Four Questions (Mah Nishtana)

Much of the night of the Passover Seder is dedicated towards teaching children the story of the Exodus from Egypt. On this night, the children ask the father four questions about the Seder night – why we eat matzah instead of bread, why we eat marror (bitter herbs) instead of other vegetables, why we dip the karpas in saltwater and the marror in charoses, and why we lean instead of sitting up. These questions are collectively called the mah nishtana and are answered during “Avadim Hayinu," which is the next part of the Seder.

The words "mah nishtana" mean "Why is it different?" The implied question in the four "questions" of the mah nishtana are "Why is this night different from all other nights?"

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Why Say the Four Questions in Yiddish?

In some families, the youngest child says the mah nishtana in Hebrew. Many other families, however, have the custom of each member saying the mah nishtana in a different language. Yiddish is one of the most common languages to say the mah nishtana in – and it’ll sure surprise Bubby and Zaydie when they hear the child speaking their mother tongue!

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How to Say the Four Questions in Yiddish

Tatta, ich vil d’fraigen de fir kashes (Father, I will ask the four questions.)